Lead Specialist, Data Solutions

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to protecting the world's most vulnerable species and their habitats. Established in 1961, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has a workforce of more than 6,000 employees. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development, aiming to create a world where people and nature thrive together.

Job Overview:
The Lead Specialist, Data Solutions is a pivotal role within WWF, focusing on hands-on data engineering responsibilities. This position is tasked with designing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive data solutions utilizing Microsoft Fabric and Azure services. The specialist will configure and manage Fabric workspaces, develop data models and pipelines, and integrate various data sources into OneLake and Blob Storage. Ensuring data quality and integrity is a critical aspect of this role, along with creating and managing Power BI reports and dashboards. The specialist will also optimize solutions for performance and reliability, while staying abreast of the latest best practices in Fabric and Azure. Furthermore, this role involves acting as a trusted proxy for the Director of Data Solutions, representing the team's work in meetings and providing guidance on data best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Lead Specialist, Data Solutions include designing, implementing, and maintaining data solutions using Microsoft Fabric and Azure services. This involves configuring and managing Fabric workspaces, semantic models, dataflows, and pipelines while applying best practices such as medallion architecture. The specialist will support the integration of data sources into OneLake, Azure SQL Database, and Azure Blob Storage, and develop and maintain ETL/ELT processes using Python and PySpark with Fabric Data Engineering and Azure Data Factory. Additionally, the role includes building semantic models (e.g., star schema) and delivering both simple and advanced Power BI reports. The specialist will evaluate and migrate legacy workflows and systems into Microsoft Fabric, ensuring data quality and integrity through validation and cleansing processes. Understanding Azure permissions and access requirements is essential for coordinating requests with infrastructure/security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security teams. The specialist will monitor and optimize Fabric data solutions for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency, provide technical support and troubleshooting for data-related issues, and collaborate with other WWF teams to offer best practices guidance or support delivery. Identifying opportunities to enhance Microsoft Fabric and Azure data services and staying current with the latest updates and best practices are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Lead Specialist, Data Solutions position, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. A minimum of 6 years of relevant data experience is required, along with strong, hands-on expertise in Microsoft Fabric, including workspaces, semantic modeling, dataflows, and pipelines. Proficiency with SQL is essential, and SQL DBA experience is considered a plus. Candidates should have experience with Python and PySpark for data engineering and workflow automation, as well as experience integrating and managing data in OneLake, Azure SQL Database, and Azure Blob Storage. Familiarity with Power BI, including data modeling, DAX, and visualization best practices, is also necessary. Knowledge of data architecture best practices in Fabric, experience migrating data pipelines or systems from legacy platforms into Microsoft Fabric, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills are critical. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities are essential, as is a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies. A self-starter attitude and a commitment to building a culture of inclusion are also important.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field to be eligible for the Lead Specialist, Data Solutions position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex data systems and engineering principles.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant data experience. This experience should include hands-on expertise in Microsoft Fabric and Azure services, as well as proficiency in data engineering practices using Python and PySpark. Candidates should have a proven track record of integrating and managing data in cloud environments, particularly with Azure services.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is implied as the primary language of communication within the organization. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is hybrid, requiring the specialist to work 2 days per week at the WWF office in Washington DC. The salary range for this role is between $126,600 to $181,90

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Additionally, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter along with their resume. The organization promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.